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Dennis, C.J. Backblock Ballads and Other Verses by 'Den', [E.W.…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
28-Nov-2021
Lot No.
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Description:
Dennis, C.J. Backblock Ballads and Other Verses by 'Den', [E.W.Cole, Book Arcade, Melbourne, 1913], 200pp; original blue cloth binding with illustration and titles in black and red. Ownership inscription of Phil. D. Flower, dated July 1913. This book of poems by C.J. Dennis was published in 1913, although many of the works had previously appeared in various periodicals. Although 'Backblock Ballads and Other Verses' was not a good seller, twenty-one of its poems were included in his later book, 'Backblock Ballads and Later Verses' (1918), which achieved great success. There were three bindings of this book, (a) Paperback (called Wrappered), Price on cover 1/6; (b) Cloth, Price 2/6; (c) Leather (boxed), Price 5/-. McLaren speculates that 5000 copies in total were printed by E.W. Cole. Possibly 4,400 Paperback - 500 Cloth and 100 Leather. On the 2nd.May 1916, Cole advised Dennis that his stock of Backblock Ballads stood at 1977 copies @ 1/6 - 60 copies @ 2/6 and 35 copies @ 5/-. This highlights the slow sales. This rare example of the hardbound version is enhanced by the presence of several original photographs: C.J.Dennis with his hat, pipe and dog, 'Bloke'; the house 'The Poet's Corner' at Toolangi, both affixed to the inside front cover; a real photo advertising postcard of Dennis with the admonition 'Read Back Block Ballads by C.J. Dennis' is in an envelope affixed to the inside back cover.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified